Formal legal proceedings on behalf of 31 alleged sex abuse victims begin in
the first stage of a multi-million pound series of damage claims against BBC
and Savile's estate.

Some 31 people who say they are victims of sexual abuse have begun legal action at the High Court claiming damages against the BBC and the estate of Jimmy Savile.

They represent the first group out of a total of more than 100 individuals to begin formal proceedings since it emerged that the later broadcaster was a predatory sex offender who carried out hundreds of sordid crimes against children.

Alan Collins, solicitor from law firm Pannone, said the claims represented a “wide spectrum” of allegations dating back to the 1960s.

Mr Collins said: “They have had their lives turned upside down and some of them have suffered immensely over the years as a result of what Savile did to them, so we need to start sooner rather than later.”

In total, the firm is representing more than 50 alleged victims who are now living across the country and some abroad. The “vast majority” are believed to have already taken their complaints to the police, a Pannone spokesman said.

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Victims are suing Savile’s £4.3 million estate for damages over his abuse and taking action against the BBC since much of it was allegedly carried out in the course of his work for the corporation, where he was a Radio 1 DJ and Top of the Pops presenter.

An initial court hearing is expected to take place next month but given the number of those involved it is likely to be a year before any settlements are reached even if there is agreement between the parties to the case.

Payouts to individual victims in the most serious instances of abuse could reach up to £80,000, meaning the BBC and Savile’s estate face a total compensation bill amounting to millions, in addition to legal costs.

Mr Collins said the number of victims in contact with Pannone “grows on a daily basis”.

He added: “The purpose of issuing the writ is to protect our clients’ position and to seek management directions from the court to ensure the claims are administered as efficiently as possible.

“At this stage we are unable to expand in detail on the nature of the cases or the allegations that have been made, which range in seriousness from inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse.”

Another group of more than victims is being represented separately by law firm Slater and Gordon.

Findings of a police inquiry announced last month revealed that Savile was a “predatory” offender who preyed on hundreds of victims aged between eight and 47, over a 54 year period. Almost a fifth of his victims were boys.

They said 450 people had made complaints, and 214 offences had been identified including 126 indecent acts and 34 rapes.

He even used the final edition of Top of the Pops to commit sex offences.

A BBC spokesman said: “We’re unable to comment on any legal claims of this nature made against the corporation.”